Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-09-15
THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
of the Reunfon-Pleasant Af-
ter Dinner Speeehes-Fred Brown, the
Cotored Boy of the Mississippi.


and in riding or walking about town. A party
of forty rode over to the National Soldiers
Home aad spent the forenoon there in and
about the buildings. The well known Mr..
Joe Lewis, a member of the regiment,
being an inmate of the Home, escorted
the veterans about with much success, show
ing them all the points of interest.
The committee appointed to prepare a
roster, is as follows:
Co. A.-Hilton B. Wright, Henry A. Whit
ney, Augustus Coggswell.
Co. B John Tarr, Geo. Fl. Douglass,
Edwin c. Douglass.
Co. CIV. L. circuit, B. Frank Owen,
james Johnston.
Co. D.-Lieut. John Mead, Chas. Emery,
Lyman W. Hanson.
Co. E.-James Walker, John W. P. John
son, d. C.
Co. F.-Henry Dunning, L. D. Small.
John Dolan.
Co. G.-F. c. Bolster, Eugene Emerson,
B. G. White.
Co. H.-Leroy Marston. BENZ. F. Brook
ings, Chas. Carpenter.
Co. Capt. Michael Boyce, Michael
Harrington, Albert o. Hall.
Co K.-Josiah d. F0ss. John W. Boyn-
| ton E. w. Sprague.
| Among the happy episodes of the reunion
yesterday was the visit of Maj. Shorey and
| Col. Dyer to the home of Mr.. Fred Brown.
our well known citizen, whom the former
| brought with him from New Orleans. Fred
was then but a small boy but has grown suf-
| ficiently to have a large family and the
visitors were most Hospitality received by
| Mr.. and Mrs. Brown and their two daughters
| Lulie and Lizzie.
Last evening the reunion concluded with a
sumptuous banquet, the joys of which were
participated in not only by the 10Th Maine
men, but by many invited guests. The Ia
bles were loaded with eatables choice and
inviting to the boys and they dis
posed of them in short order. The repast
was prepared by the ladies' of the Relief
Corps and others and was credit to them.
The after dinner exercises proved to be of
an exceedingly happy character, Col Isaac
| Dyer presiding.
| Col. F. NJ. Drew of Lewiston was the first
speaker. He was received with applause.
| After expressing the pleasure he felt in
meeting again the members of his regiment
Col. Drew in brief said: This is no ordinary
occasion. This reunion of those who years
ago were associated in a great cause demand
ing personal sacrifice and danger and invol
wing the existence of the government under
which we were born, that heart must in
deed be unnatural which is not stirred by
such scenes as this and that hand must be
unkind which does not tiugle with quickened
blood by the grasp of old comrades. Time
has indeed changed our faces and forms and
touched with the flowers of age our hearts,
but it can never cool our friendship. Our
| identity established and our hands clasp an
atfecionate remembrance. l do not propose to
go over the history of our regiment. There
is one present, Maj Shorey, who will address,
| who can do it better than any other, who
commenced writing our history as soon as
we commenced making it,
Our regiment was enlisted at that period of
the war when all hopes of an early suppression
of the rebellion had been sadly disappointed.
The first great battle had terminated dlsas-
terously to our arms and the country stood
face to face with the great problem,
whether the patriotism and tie resources
of the loyal people were suf
ficient to preserve the Union. Our regiment
was not the child of any man or the fayorite
of any official, but it was from the first con-
secrated to duty, and willing obedience to
orders. 1t never went to superior Off GERS
for assignment but always cheerfully obeyed
their orders.
1t was a brave regiment, which is true OF
everv Maine organization. When the time
came it illustrated its bravery at Matagorda
Island, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill
ard Cane River, and TIE names borne on its
flags at The State House, and the rebel flags
captured by it, hanging there too, attest Its
valor.
1t was a harmonious regiment. No officer
was ever cashiered or left it except by volun-
tary resignation or at the expiration of his
term of service.
Col. Drew paid tribute to the memories
of Col McClosky, Capt. Wilson and Adjt.
Rowland.
In conclusion he advocated the formation
of State organization similar to that of the
New Hampshire veterans, and in eloquent
words urged every comrade who is not now a
member, to unite with the nearest post of the
Grand Army.
Rev Geo. r. Palmer, of Augusta being
called on, offered happy remarks. We had
been invited to ride at the opening of the
war. he said. We did ride and held the
reins to. Let US keep the reins in our own
hands. The man who saved the government
should control it. Education of the black
man was advocated and an urgent appeal
made for him. He could remember when
his widowed mother stood up her five boys,
| nearly all of a height and sent them sill to
the front to fight for their country, the
Youngest being but seventeen years of age.
Four of them, all besides himself lost their
lives in the great struggle between Washing
ton and the Gulf.
Maj. P. NJ. Fogler was called on and came
forth amid hearty applause. He extended a
cordial greeting to the comrades of the old
10Th Maine. The men who went forth to
battle for their country had no thirst for
blood but because of their patriotism and
love of country Many of the soldiers who
served in the war have been called third rate
men. He resented any snch statement and
hoped he should never be mean enough to en-
terrain it for an instant. He believed the
soldier whatever he was should be protected
in distress and receive the Gratitude of the
people and nation. (Applause.l
Mai Ii. A Shorey wanted and came
forth with applause. This occasion filled his
heart with sacred remembrances of days gone
by and brought up emotions which he could
no, represent in words. Maj. Shorey exhibit.
ed bouquet of flowers which had been pre-
sented to him by colored lady of Augusta,
whose husband when boy had come to his
tent on the banks of the Mississippi above
New Orleans. He was strong robust young
fellow and when after three years service the
speaker returned to Augusta on veterans
furlough, he brought with him the boy who
had resided in the city since. This young